The Vatican has said that Pope Francis has made it known through his decision that there is not sufficient evidence to commence a Church investigation into Canadian Cardinal, Marc Ouellet, over sexual assault allegations.
Ouellet, a top Vatican official, was named recently in a class action lawsuit against the Quebec Catholic diocese which alleged cases of sexual assault by 88 priests and staff working at the diocese beginning in 1940.
In the recent filing in Quebec Superior Court, a complainant alleged that she was inappropriately touched by Ouellet and that he made comments that made her feel uncomfortable between 2008 and 2010 when he was archbishop of Quebec and she was a 23-year-old intern.
In 2022, the Vatican was informed about the allegations against Ouellet and Francis asked a priestly investigator, Jacques Servais, to look into the case. Subsequently, Servais advised against commencing a full church investigation.
A Vatican statement said: “Following further relevant consultations, Pope Francis declared that there were not sufficient elements to open a canonical investigation for sexual assault by Cardinal Ouellet.”
Ouellet is the Head of the Vatican’s powerful Congregation for Bishops which advises the pope on priests that should be made bishops. He is one of the candidates shortlisted to succeed Pope Francis after the pontiff dies or resigns.
